Unit Tests Could Have Saved Us Time

During the
VCAPS project we introduced automated unit testing. It became the rule
to include unit tests with any new functionality or modification, but
in one instance a manager complained that a deadline would be missed if
testing were required. In this case special dispensation was granted.
After releasing the code about 32 developer hours were spent tracking
down a problem that cost untold

customer
delays. It was discovered that the errant development team had based
their work on obsolete versions. For our own sake the unit tests were
undertaken after the problem was found. Adapting existing unit tests to
the new code took one hour.